Nissan Sport Inc

[Features]

2009 Nissan 370Z: Analyzed, Track Tested, and Graded

Few know the Nissan 350Z better than Editor-in-Chief David Muramoto, who owns two of them: one for the street and one for racing. So who better to put the new 2009 Nissan 370Z to the test? Muramoto pushed the newest Z car to the limits at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the surrounds. And he came away with pages of opinions and a significant impression on Nissan’s latest sports car. He also breaks down the design of the car and grades it in comparison to the 350Z. You won’t find a better insider’s look at the 370Z anywhere. Page 24

Ranked: The 50 Best (and Worst) Nissans of All Time

With Nissan having just finished celebrating its 50^th anniversary in the United States, it got us thinking. Over these past 50 years, what were the best cars they ever sold? The idea snowballed, so we developed a comprehensive list of the top ten sports cars, top five utility vehicles, top ten sedans/coupes, and top five trucks. Then we ranked them based on overall design, performance, and significance. And then for a little extra fun, we created other categories, including the most overlooked, the best specialty releases, the ugliest, and the downright worst of all time. Our rankings include some shockers. Page 32

[Motorsports] Pg 44

Despite little factory support, Nissan entries in the SCCA Runoffs proved more than competitive, the GT-R finishes a successful year in Super Autobacs GT, and Frank Ripasardi gives us a Nissan motorsports update from across the pond. Also the Drift Corner, In the Dirt, snow bashing in your 4x4, what to do if you are headed off track, and more.

[Project Vehicles] Pg 46

1969 Datsun 510: Introduction
NISMO 350Z T2 Race Car: Race development
2005 Titan: DIY intake air box modification

[DIY Tech] Pg 50

Product Tests, Reviews & Spotlights: Testing the Escort Passport 9500ix radar/laser detector with GPS, review of Need for Speed Undercover featuring the 370Z, testing the Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid, spotlight on Scrublade windshield wipers.

How Tos, Tech Tips & Tech Explained: Repairing unsightly rock chips easily and affordably.

Q&A: Go with a manual tranny or save a marriage and go with an automatic, spongy brakes on Nissan trucks, where Nissans and Infinitis are made, building up a motor for 10K rpms.

[Departments]

4 From the Publisher
The economy has car magazines in the cross hairs, but Nissan Sport is better prepared than most. Though we still have a favor to ask.

6 Letters
Kudos on the “50” issue, reader writes in about the Dime, missing cover photograph, the managing editor managing his multiple sclerosis, Jerry King cartoon looks at the latest Nissan shape concept.

8 Ignition
The Nissan 370Z builds on the deep-rooted legacy of the iconic Z car.

10 Shifting Gears
SEMA produces some Nissan shockers (including a Z-infused 1932 Ford Highboy), RPM (rumors, parts, and more), Archives (1966 Datsun 411 Rally Spec), Redline (Nissan makes headway in electrics, commercial vehicle concept released, Infiniti updates), Quick Shifts.

16 First Takes
Nissan: 2009 Cube

18 Behind the Wheel

James Engols’ 1998 Nissan Stagea 260RS
Brian Moyer’s 1970 Datsun Roadster
Aaron Penski’s & Natalie Hege’s Frontiers

54 The Scene
Event Recaps: Z Con 2008, NOAS Fall Run, Nissan Performance Festival, Sentra SE-R Convention, Maxima meet, Japanese Classic Car Show. Also: calendar of events, the official website and club partners of the magazine, Sarah’s Web Watch.

64 Review Mirror
The entertaining story behind the B210 Honey Bee.

On The Cover
The 2009 Nissan 370Z. Inset: The 1973 240Z of Don Anderson, one of the magazine’s biggest supporters and longtime readers. Photos by Nissan Sport staff.